In the five years that Marie Whitney has lived in Chicago, she’s seen more sides to the city than many lifelong residents. As a mom, she’s navigated preschools and public parks. As an entrepreneur, she’s built one of Southport’s prettiest brick-and-mortar stores and a community of fans with her clothing brand Two-Penny Blue. And as the wife to Cubs President Theo Epstein, she’s witnessed (and supported) the monumental effort of building of a history-making sports team from an intimate perspective that few other Chicagoans could understand.

Here, Whitney shares with us a guide to the city from her unique point-of-view.

Where were you born: New Jersey, I’m a Jersey girl through and through.

How long in Chicago: 5 years

Neighborhood: Lakeview

Occupation: Founder and Creative Director, Two Penny Blue

Favorite Restaurant: Girl and The Goat

Best Sushi: Momitarro

Best Italian: well RPM Italian for the win. It’s our favorite spot for Italian – we even have Christmas Eve dinner here every year.

Best dessert: The skillet chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream from Crosby’s Kitchen. Life changing.

Best place for a romantic date: Get yourself some wine, some great music, head to the lake and hop on a boat right before sunset on a summer night …

Best Sunday brunch: Southport Grocery has an amazing Sunday brunch. Plus you can do a little shopping on Southport Corridor before or after.

Best place for a power business meeting: RL or Travelle Kitchen.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? I love Soho House, The Thompson and The Penninsula.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Well can I say Two Penny Blue on Southport? I might be a little biased but that place has heart and soul

Best Spa: I rarely have time to go – but the Chuan Spa at The Langham is really beautiful.